Wall Street Is Rocked
By Merrill's Online Plans

Big Task Awaits Securities Firm
As It Pushes Into Online World

It's official: Merrill Lynch & Co. has unveiled a radical new Internet-brokerage strategy, one of the boldest moves in its 85-year history.

The nation's largest full-service securities firm, confirming a report in The Wall Street Journal, will offer online trading for as little as $29.95 a trade. Currently, Merrill customers pay commissions...